Aung San, often referred to as the “Father of Modern Myanmar,” was a pivotal figure in Burma’s fight for independence from British colonial rule. Despite his untimely death at the age of 32, his legacy continues to shape Myanmar’s national identity. He is also the father of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pro-democracy leader.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Aung San was born on February 13, 1915, in Natmauk, a small town in central Burma, into a well-educated and patriotic family.
- Family: He was the youngest of nine children. His father, U Pha, was a government official, and his mother, Daw Suu, came from a prominent family.
- Education:
- Attended Yenangyaung High School and later Rangoon University, where he studied English literature, modern history, and political science.
- While at university, he became politically active, joining the student union and eventually becoming its secretary.
Political Awakening and Activism
- Aung San’s early exposure to the oppressive nature of colonial rule ignited his political activism.
- In the 1930s, he became a leading member of the Dobama Asiayone (We Burmans Association), a nationalist group advocating for independence. The group adopted the slogan “Thakin”, which means “master,” to assert their demand for self-rule.
Formation of the Thirty Comrades
- Aung San realized that achieving independence would require armed resistance.
- In 1940, he fled Burma to seek international support for the independence movement.
- He traveled to Japan, where he trained with the Imperial Japanese Army and formed the Burma Independence Army (BIA) alongside the Thirty Comrades, a group of young revolutionaries.
Role in World War II
- During World War II, Aung San initially allied with Japan, which promised to help Burma gain independence from British rule.
- The BIA supported the Japanese invasion of Burma in 1942, and Aung San was made the Minister of War in the Japanese-backed government.
- However, as the Japanese occupation became increasingly oppressive, Aung San turned against them.
- In 1944, he formed the Anti-Fascist People’s Freedom League (AFPFL) and secretly allied with the Allied Powers, helping to drive out the Japanese in 1945.
Path to Independence
- After the war, Aung San emerged as the leading figure in Burma’s struggle for independence from Britain.
- In 1947, he led the Panglong Conference, where he negotiated with ethnic minority leaders to unite Burma as a federal state.
- His efforts resulted in the Panglong Agreement, which laid the foundation for a unified and independent Burma.
Assassination
- On July 19, 1947, just months before Burma was set to gain independence, Aung San and six of his cabinet members were assassinated during a meeting in Rangoon (now Yangon).
- The assassination was orchestrated by U Saw, a political rival and former prime minister, who feared losing power under Aung San’s leadership.
- His death shocked the nation and left a void in Burma’s political leadership.
Legacy
- Independence: Burma gained independence from Britain on January 4, 1948, just months after Aung San’s death. While he didn’t live to see it, he is credited as the architect of independence.
- Father of the Nation:
- Aung San remains a revered figure in Myanmar, often compared to Mahatma Gandhi and Ho Chi Minh.
- Martyrs’ Day (July 19) is observed annually in Myanmar to honor Aung San and the others who were assassinated.
- Family:
- His wife, Khin Kyi, became a prominent figure in her own right, serving as Burma’s ambassador to India.
- His daughter, Aung San Suu Kyi, inherited his legacy and became the face of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement decades later.
Aung San’s Vision for Burma
Aung San envisioned a democratic and unified Burma that respected the rights of its diverse ethnic groups. He advocated for:
- Federalism: To ensure equality and autonomy for Burma’s ethnic minorities.
- Socialism: To address the country’s economic inequality.
- Non-violence: Despite his military background, he believed in resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.
Impact on Modern Myanmar
- Aung San’s ideas and principles have inspired generations of Burmese people. However, his vision of a peaceful and democratic union remains unfulfilled due to decades of military rule and ethnic conflict.
- The military junta has attempted to co-opt his legacy, while opposition groups like the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi, emphasize his democratic ideals.
Controversies
- Alliance with Japan: Critics point to his early collaboration with imperial Japan, though historians argue it was a strategic move to gain independence.
- Unrealized Federalism: His promise of federal autonomy for ethnic groups remains a point of contention in Myanmar’s ongoing ethnic conflicts.